Winter Care Tips for Dogs and Cats: Keep Your Pets Warm and Safe

When temperatures drop, our pets feel it too. Short-haired dogs shiver on walks, senior cats seek out every warm spot, and salt, ice and antifreeze bring new hazards. These winter care tips for dogs and cats will help keep your pets comfortable and safe until spring.

1. Give them a warm place to sleep

• Move beds away from drafty doors, windows and cold tile floors.
• Choose plush, raised-rim beds that hold in body heat. A plush donut bed lets pets curl up and stay cozy.
• Add a soft blanket they can burrow into. Browse our pet blankets.
• Cats love elevated spots. A cat bed on a sunny windowsill or cat tree platform is a winter favorite.

2. Dress short-haired dogs for the weather

Small breeds, short-coated breeds like greyhounds and chihuahuas, puppies and senior dogs lose heat quickly. A well-fitted coat or sweater makes winter walks more comfortable. See our dog coats and vests and sweaters. Thick-coated breeds like huskies usually don't need one.

3. Protect paws from ice and salt

• Wipe paws with a damp cloth after every walk to remove salt, de-icer and grit.
• Trim the fur between paw pads so ice balls don't form.
• Consider dog booties or a paw balm for dogs who walk on salted sidewalks.
• Check pads for cracks or cuts, and keep nails trimmed for better grip on slippery surfaces. A quiet nail grinder makes it easier.

4. Shorten walks in extreme cold

In very cold weather, take shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs your dog is too cold: shivering, lifting paws, slowing down or trying to turn back home. Make up for shorter walks with indoor play and puzzle toys.

5. Watch for antifreeze and other winter toxins

• Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets and is extremely toxic. Clean up spills right away and store containers out of reach.
• Some de-icers can irritate paws and stomachs. Look for pet-safe products for your own steps and driveway.
• If you suspect your pet has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control line immediately.

6. Check the car and engine

Outdoor and stray cats sometimes crawl into warm engine compartments. Knock on the hood or honk briefly before starting the car on cold mornings. Never leave pets alone in a car in winter, because cars can get dangerously cold.

7. Mind holiday hazards

• Keep chocolate, xylitol (in some sugar-free sweets), grapes, raisins and fatty leftovers away from pets.
• Secure Christmas trees and keep tinsel and ribbon out of reach, especially from cats.
• Give pets a quiet room to retreat to during busy gatherings.

8. Keep them hydrated and active

Indoor heating dries the air, and pets still need plenty of fresh water. Keep bowls full and clean, and keep pets moving with indoor games, climbing and enrichment toys.

FAQ

How cold is too cold for my dog?

It depends on breed, size, age and coat. Small, short-haired, young and senior dogs get cold fastest. If your dog is shivering or lifting their paws, it's time to head inside.

Do indoor cats need extra care in winter?

Yes. Give them warm, draft-free beds, sunny perches and plenty of play, because indoor cats can get less active in winter.

Should I wipe my dog's paws after winter walks?

Yes. Salt and de-icers can irritate paws and upset stomachs if licked off, so wipe paws after every walk.

Get your pets ready for the cold with warm bedding and dog coats, with free US shipping on every order.